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MetConsole_LLWAS_A4_2012
1. MetConsole®
LLWAS
(Low Level Wind Shear Alert System)
Enhancing aircraft safety under wind shear conditions
Make the most of your energySM
2. MetConsole®
Low Level Wind
Shear Alert System
The Schneider Electric MetConsole®
Low Level Wind Shear Alert
System (LLWAS) – a module of the company’s MetConsole Aviation
Weather Suite – provides the reliable and timely information and
alerting to the gust fronts, downbursts or microbursts induced
by thunderstorms. It helps minimize disruptions, caused by these
wind shear conditions, to aircraft flying below 1,000 feet while
approaching and departing airports.
An integrated and comprehensive system, the Schneider Electric
MetConsole LLWAS —
• Collects real-time wind speed and direction readings from a carefully placed
array of wind sensors around the airport runways
• Processes the wind information through a central redundant server, applying
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved NCAR LLWAS algorithms,
to determine the location and strength of wind shear and microburst events
• Evaluates these determinations to optimize alert accuracy
• Displays resulting wind shear information in the Air Traffic Control (ATC)
tower in both graphical (LLWAS map) and tabular form (ADD) using standard
aeronautical formats, including headwind loss or gain associated with the wind
shear and the determined location of the aircraft’s first encounter with the
wind shear
• Generates audible warnings that must be acknowledged by the ATC controllers
• Provides outputs formatted for direct broadcast on the airport’s ATIS system
and transmission via a meteorological switch to weather networks
Uniquely designed
Experience in system implementation. Appropriate sensor siting is key to an
effective LLWAS. Specialized Schneider Electric staff assist in conducting a site
survey according to FAA 6560.21A (Siting Guidelines for LLWAS). The resulting
network is then tested using a computer model to verify the effective area of
LLWAS protection.
Reliable and timely information and alerting
to the gust fronts, downbursts or microbursts
induced by thunderstorms.
Minimize wind shear
disruptions to aircraft
flying below 1,000 feet
while approaching and
departing airports
02 | MetConsole Low Level Wind Shear Alert System
3. MetConsole Low Level Wind Shear Alert System | 03
MetConsole®
Low Level Wind
Shear Alert System
Proven solution. The system implements the latest
LLWAS Phase III algorithm, developed by NCAR
for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and
implemented successfully in more than 100 airports
around the world. Schneider Electric has been a
licensee of this algorithm, and applying it in LLWAS
solutions, since 1996.
Inherent analysis for optimized accuracy. The
Schneider Electric MetConsole LLWAS includes
the Site Performance Evaluation System (SPES)
module that implements an algorithm developed
by MIT Lincoln Lab for continuous evaluation
of the quality of data coming in from the wind
sensor stations. When the wind speed and
direction values, calculated based on the algorithm
described above, differs by a pre-determined limit
from data received directly from the sensors, a data
quality analysis algorithm determines if the sensors
involved are malfunctioning or siting requires
some adjustment.
The expertise built into the Schneider Electric
MetConsole LLWAS solution reduces the
probability of false wind shear alerts and increases
the probability of corrections where needed: the
Probability of Detection (POD) of this solution has
shown to be greater than 90 percent, while the
False Alert Rate (FAR) is less than 10 percent.
Schneider Electric makes it work for you
Scalability is assured through the MetConsole
open and modular technology, which enables
installation of six to 52 wind sensor stations along
your airport’s runways. This scalability enables
the necessary protection as your airport coverage
requirements change or grow.
Interoperability means the system exchanges
LLWAS information with other modules of the
Schneider Electric MetConsole Aviation Weather
Suite or with third-party AWOS, ATIS and ATC
systems. You efficiently realize as much mileage
as possible from this accurate data.
Safety and reliability are optimized with two
independent servers connected in a hot standby
configuration. This fully redundant, failsafe
infrastructure assures system availability and
the data you rely on for safe operations.
A technician/maintenance tool provides a
range of functions for technicians and system
administrators. A powerful BITE module
continuously monitors all hardware and
software performance and stores all data,
events and alarms.
Operator interface is configurable and intuitive,
based on Microsoft Windows®
menu-driven design.
Rely on Schneider Electric expertise
You can rely on Schneider Electric’s vast
knowledge of information management and
communications systems involved in efficient and
effective aviation weather. We offer more than 30
years of experience in developing and deploying
the solutions relied on by operations worldwide.
Reduce the probability
of false wind shear
alerts and increase the
probability of corrections
where needed
5. MetConsole Low Level Wind Shear Alert System | 05
MetConsole®
Low Level Wind
Shear Alert System
Further, our experienced project managers and
technical staff can guide you through the entire life
cycle of your project.
Contact us for more information about putting
Schneider Electric’s advanced aviation weather
systems to work to improve the safety and
efficiency of your airport operations.
SPES “Station Analysis” Screen from the
Schneider Electric MetConsole LLWAS Solution
